Rail anchor machine



June 20, 1967 B. J. MCT|G ETAL 3,326,137

RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE Filed June 10, 1964 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 //V VE/VTORS BERNARD J. M0 776/15 and GEORGE A June 20, 1967 B. J. M TIGHE ETAL 3,326,137

RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE Filed June 10, 1964 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 //V l/E/VTORS BERNARD J. Mc T/GHE and GEORGE A. PAR/(5 B fi fi.

y All ney June 20, 1967 B. J. MOTIGHE ETAL 3,326,137

RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE Filed June 10, 1964 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS BERNARD .1. Ma T/GHE and June 20, 1967 B. J. MCTIGHE ETAL 3,326,137

RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 10, 1964 June 20, 1967 B. J. MOTIGHE ETAL 3,326,137

RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet Filed June 10, 1964 TE H E 2 WT C B GEO/P6? FA RKS June 20, 1967 B. J. MCTIGHE ETAL 3,326,137

RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE Filed June 10, 1964 9 Sheets-Sheet (1- m a; a 3 //v vavrmsw l, I I BERNARD .1. MC T/GHE and L GEORGE A PA 19K 5 June 20, 1967 B. J. MCTIGHE ETAL 3,326,137

RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE Filed June 10, 1964 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 //V VE/V TORS BERNARD J. Mc T/GHE and GEORGE A. PAR/(5 FMKW rney June 20, 1961 B. J. Mo ETAL 3,326,137

RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE Filed June 10, 1964 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 /N VE/VTO/PS BERNARD J. Mc T/GHE and GEORGE A. PAR/(S W United States Patent 3,326,137 RAIL ANCHOR MACHINE Bernard J. Mc-Tighe and George A. Parks, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignors to Unit Rail Anchor Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of New Jersey Filed June 10, 1964, Ser. No. 374,048 11 Claims. (Cl. 1042) This invention relates to an apparatus for app-lying rail anchors to the base flanges of railway tracks to prevent the longitudinal creeping or rails relative to the ties on which the rails are laid, and in particular to apparatus for applying one or more rail anchors on opposite sides of a cross-tie in abutting relation to the cross tie.

Rail anchors in general comprise a generally C-shaped unit having either a separate spring loading means or are formed of spring-like material of a suflicient length to span the base flange of the rail. The anchor is positioned transversely of the rail base flange and includes a portion at one end adapted to hook on one side edge of the rail base flange and a portion near the other end adapted to snap onto the opposite side edge of the rail base flange when the anchor is forced upwardly beneath the rail. The anchors are placed on the rails adjacent one or both sides of some or all of the railroad cross-ties, are held tightly on the rails, and abut the ties to prevent longitudinal creeping of the rails on the ties.

Of the available rail anchor application apparatus, provision is usually made for the application of one rail anchor at a time which is moved longitudinally into abutting relation with the cross-tie. When the rail anchor has been applied, the mechanism which places the anchor adjacent the cross-tie is released and repositioned on the other side of the cross-tie for aiding in the application of the second anchor. Experience has shown that after the rail anchor is applied to the opposite side of the same cross-tie, considerable play results between the cross-tie and associated rail anchors. This play is quite harmful, since it permits relative movement between the cross-tie and the rail, thereby increasing wear and creating the danger'of misalignment and altered gauge, which may be factors responsible for derailment or wrecks.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for applying rail anchors to the base flange of a rail in abutting relation to a cross-tie.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for simultaneously applying rail anchors on opposite sides of a cross-tie with each anchor being placed in an abutting relation to the same cross-tie.

A specific object of the present invention is to provide an improved rail anchor applicator which includes a carriage movable along a railroad track, a movable head for engaging rail anchors and holding the same in abutting relation to the cross-tie, and an anchor applicator mechanism for forcing the rail anchor onto the rail base flange.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description and the claims when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail plan view of the head taken on the section line V-V of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail vertical elevational view of the head taken on the section line of VIVI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail section of the head taken on the line VIIVII of FIG. 6 showing the head assembly resting on a rail with applicators in position to drive a rail anchor onto the rail;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail section of head taken on the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6 showing the head assembly anchor applicators in position to thrust the anchors adjacent to the tie and anchor applicators driving the anchor home;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view with the head down;

FIG. 10 is a partial view in perspective of a portion of the movable head illustrating some of the details thereof; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the hydraulic system.

Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8 in particular, there are illustrated parallel rails 10 and 12 which are positioned on transversely extending cross ties 14. The rails 10 and 12 are provided with a base flange 16 upon which a rail anchor, shown generally at 18, is secured in abutting relation to the cross-tie 14. The rail anchor 18, which is used with the apparatus of the present invention, comprises a substantially C-shaped piece of spring metal having a hook 20 at one end thereof which is designed to engage the rail base flange 16, usually on the inward side of the parallel rails 10 and 12, and a notched section 22 which is adapted to snap onto the opposite edge of the rail base flange 16 when the rail anchor 18 is forced upwardly, as shown in FIG. 2, with respect to rail 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rail anchor 18 is placed by hand with the hook 20 engaging the rail base flange 16 and the rail anchor 18 assumes the position shown in solid outline in FIG. 7. Before the rail anchor 18 is applied to the respective rails, it is moved longitudinally of the rail in abutting relation on one or both sides of the cross-tie. The apparatus of the present invention is designed to apply one or more anchors on opposite sides of a cross-tie in abutting relation thereto.

Framework The apparatus of the present invention includes, inter alia, a carriage shown generally at 30 in FIGS. 1 through 4, inclusive, which comprises a pair of substantially paral lel horizontal frame members 32 which are disposed to extend traversely between the parallel rails 10 and 12, a generally C-shaped vertical frame 34 disposed to extend between the parallel horizontal frame members 32 near one end thereof, and cross-members 36 and 38, the functions of which will be described more fully hereinafter. Downwardly depending wheel brackets 40 are disposed at each of the outer extremities of each of the horizontal frame members 32, and are secured thereto as, for example, by welding. The vertical frame 34 thus extending between the horizontal frame members 32 is secured to the top portion of the respective wheel brackets 40, for example by welding, and where desired, additional rigidity may be supplied to the carriage by welding gussets 42 between the vertical frame 34 and the horizontal frame members 32. Near the extremities of the horizontal frame members 32 which are opposite the vertical frame 34, the cross-member 36 is secured, preferably by welding the same to the horizontal frame members 32. As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 1 through 3, the crossmember may be of angle iron construction, and adjacent the area where the cross-member 36 is secured to the horizontal frame 32, the angle iron is notched as at 44 in order to accommodate the drive motor mounting bracket 46, which will be described more fully hereinafter. The cross-member 38'is disposed in spaced parallel relation to the cross-member 36, and is also secured to the horizontal members 32. An upwardly extending support channel 48 is secured to the cross-member 38 substantially equidistant between the horizontal frame members 32. The support channel 48 is disposed to re- Patented June 20, 1967 ceive a seat bracket 50 which is secured thereto for maintaining an operators seat 52 in a centrally located position. The carriage 30 is also provided with cross-brace 54 which is disposed in spaced parallel relation to the cross-members 36 and 38, and is secured to the horizontal frame members 32 at a predetermined point between the cross-members 38 and the plane of vertical frame 34. Cross-brace 54 is also provided with a pair of pivotally mounted foot rests 56, each of which is provided with inwardly adjacent applicator hooks 58. Other parts of the framework of the carriage 30 include support brackets 60 which are provided near the cross-brace 54 and each of the horizontal frame members 32, a motor control valve bracket 62 preferably secured to the crossmember 38, a sequence valve mounting bracket 64 also secured to cross-member 38, and drive motor angle bracket 66 which is secured to the drive motor mounting bracket 46 in the angle iron notch 44 of the cross-meniber 36.

In order to move the carriage 30 along the parallel rails and 12, the carriage 30 is provided with a pair of flanged wheels 68 which are rotatably secured to the wheel bracket 40 by means of an axle stud 70, ball bearings being interposed between the wheels 68 and the one stud 70, said axle stud 70 being carried by the wheel brackets 40 to which the vertical frame 34 is fastened. A pair of insulated nylon sleeve bearing flanged wheels 72 having V-belt notches 74 are carried by the opposite wheel brackets 40, and are rotatably secured by means of axle studs 70 in the wheel brackets 40 at the opposite end of the carriage 30. It is preferred to have said flanged wheels 72 insulated by means of nylon sleeve bearing for obvious reasons. The flanged wheels 72 must be of a sufficient size that the diameter .at the base of the V-belt notches 74 exceeds the width of the wheel bracket 40'. A drive motor 76 is secured to each of the angle brackets 66 with the drive shaft 78 of said motor extending through the angle bracket 66. A V-belt pulley 80 is attached to the drive shaft 78, and V-belts 82 couple the pulley 80 to the flanged wheel 72. For safety reasons it is preferred to provide a wheel cover 84 to enclose the pulley 80 and V-belts 82 and part of the wheel bracket 40', said wheel cover 8.4 being secured to the wheel bracket 40, for example by bolting 86.

The parallel cross members 36 and 38 also serve as a foundation for a power plant shown generally at 88. The power plant 88 is secured to the parallel cross-members 36 and 38 in any suitable manner, and in the present embodiment the power plant takes the form of a gasoline engine having a drive shaft 90* to which is secured a drive pulley 92. The present embodiment also includes a high pressure hydraulic pump 94 which is secured to the cross-members 36 and 38 and a low pressure hydraulic pump 96 associated therewith. Both the high pressure pump 94 and the associated low pressure pump 96 are provided with V-belt drive wheels 98 and 100, respectively, shown in chain outline in FIG. 3, and coupled to the power plant 88 by means of additional V-belts 102. While the present embodiment employs V-belts and pulleys, it will be appreciated that any sort of coupling may be employed between the power plant 88 and the hydraulic pumps 94 and 96-, and in the alternative, even a different type power plant can be employed, both for moving the apparatus of the present invention and for actuating the various components in their respective functions. In the embodiment illustrated, the drive wheels 98 and 100, the drive pulley 92 and the coupling V-belt 102 .are enclosed, for safety reasons, with a pulley cover 104 which may be supported by a bracket 106 secured to the high pressure pump as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Movable Head The apparatus of the present invention also includes a movable head shown generally at 108 which is disposed to move through a vertical arc around a pivot point on the horizontal frame members 32. In general, the structure of the movable head 108 includes support member foreheads 118 secured to the horizontal frame members 32 by means of pivots 112, said foreheads 110 extending a predetermined distance toward vertical frame 34, vertical spar brackets 114 secured to the support member foreheads 110 near the ends opposite the pivots 112, a head frame shown generally at 116 disposed to extend between the support member foreheads 110, and means connected to the horizontal frame members 32 and the vertical spar brackets 114 to raise the movable head 108 through a predetermined vertical arc. In the embodiment illustrated, the head 108 is raised through the vertical arc by means of head cylinders 118, pivotally connected to a head cylinder bracket 120 which is, in turn, secured to the horizontal frame member 32 near the wheel brackets 40 on which the vertical frame 34 is secured, and associated head piston 122 which are pivotally secured to vertical spar brackets 114 near the upper end thereof. The head frame 116 structurally comprises a generally horizontal positioner frame 124 which is disposed to extend between the support member foreheads 110 and is secured thereto, for example by welding, and a vertical applicator frame 126. The horizontal positioner frame 124 is preferably secured to the support member foreheads 111) so that when the movable head is raised to the top of the vertical arc, the forward section of the horizontal positioner frame 124 is in close proximity to the vertical frame 34. Preferably, the vertical applicator frame 126 is secured to the rear portion of the horizontal positioner frame at right angles thereto, as by welding, so that the vertical applicator frame 126 is equidistantly located between the extremities of the horizontal positioner frame 124.

In order to maintain the movable head 108 at its top most position of the vertical arc which it traverses, the forward section of the horizontal positioner frame 124 is provided with an upuwardly extending, forwardly inclined head lock bracket 128 having an opening 130- therein. The vertical frame '34 is provided with a complementing lock stud bracket 132 which is secured thereto in an aligned relation with the head lock bracket 128. A locking stud 134 is disposed to extend through the lock stud bracket 132 and into the opening 130 of the head lock bracket 128, thereby retaining the movable head 108 in a locked position at the upper limit of the vertical are which it traverses. The locking stud 134 is also provided with retaining spring 136 disposed within the confines of the lock stud bracket 132 and by suitable notch means (not shown) on the locking stud 134, the locking stud may be retained in a retracted position when desired.

As described previously, the movable head 108 is disposed to be raised through a vertical arc of predetermined height. The top of said vertical arc depends upon the limit of the stroke of the head piston 122, while the bottom limit of the vertical arc depends upon the positioning of the movable head 108 with respect to the rail 12. In order to provide a reference point for the positioner and applicator mechanisms, to be described, the movable head 108 is provided with a head positioner seat, shown generally at 138, comprising a forward seat lug 140 secured to the horizontal positioner frame 124 substantially equidistant between the support member foreheads 110, a rear seat lug 142 secured to the horizontal positioner frame 124 adjacent the vertical applicator frame 126 in aligned relation with the forward lug 140, a pair of upwardly extending adjusting studs 144, one each of which is secured to the lugs 140 and 142, and a bridging lug 146 carried by the pair of adjusting studs in vertical adjustable relationship by means of lock nuts 148. The bridging lug 146 is provided with a pairof openings therein and a pair of downwardly depending capped seat studs 150 are positioned within said openings. A seat 152, preferably'formed of hard rubber, is secured to the capped seat studs 150, and by means of the springs 156 and retaining pins 158 interposed on the capped seat studs 150 between the seat 152 and the bridging lug 146, the head positioning seat 138 yieldably positions the movable head 108 on the rail 12. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the capped portion of seat studs 150 limits the travel of the seat in the downward direction and the springs 156 and pins 158 limit the upward motion, thereby positioning the movable head 108 at the desired reference point for the positioner and applicator mechanisms.

Positioner mechanism The horizontal positioner frame 124 is disposed to carry the downwardly depending pivotally mounted positioner mechanism, shown generally at 160. The positioner mechanism 160 is pivotally mountetd by means of pivot rod 162 which is carried in right angle brackets 164, one of said right angle brackets 164 being secured to the horizontal positioner frame 124 adjacent the vertical applicator frame 126 and the other of said right angle brackets 164 in an aligned relation on the forward section of the horizontal positioner frame 124, said right angle brackets 164 being secured to the horizontal positioner frame 124 at a predetermined distance between the head positioner seat 138 and the support member forehead 110. At this juncture, it should be pointed out that the opposed positioner mechanisms 160 are mirror images of each other and are positioned so that the span between the positioner mechanisms with their respectively associated right angle brackets is slightly greater than the width of the cross-tie upon which the rail anchors abut. A pivot bracket 166 is disposed to be secured at one end thereof by the pivot rod 162 for rotation thereabout between the right angle brackets 164, and the other end of said pivot bracket 166 is disposed in a downwardly depending relation thereto. A T-plate 168 is secured to the downwardly depending end of the pivot bracket 166 so that the cross portion of the T-plate 1-68 and the downwardly depending end of the pivot bracket 166 provide slots 170 on each side of the stern of the T-plate 168. A pair of positioning fingers 172 are disposed in the slots 170 and are rotatably secured therein by means of pivot pins 174. The positioning fingers 172 extend a predetermined distance below the pivot pins and terminate in a downwardly inclined tip 176 which is disposed to engage a rail anchor 18 on each side of the rail flange 16 for urging said rail anchor 18 into abutting relation to the cross-tie 14. The positioning fingers 172 also extend a predetermined distance above the pivot pin 174 and are provided near their upper terminus with an opening 178 for receiving a lateral pivot stud 180 therein. A lateral stop member 182 is disposed to extend between the lateral pivot studs 180 and is secured thereto in any suitable manner, said lateral stop member 182 having opposed parallel flat surfaces 184 terminating in a shoulder 186. An F-bracket 188 is secured to the stem portion of the T-plate 168 and extends upwardly with the spaced horizontal sections of the F-bracket engaging the opposed parallel flat surfaces 184 intermediate the shoulders 186. As assembled, the positioning fingers 172 are pivotable about the pins 174; however, the lateral movement of one of the positioning fingers 174 is transmitted through the pivot stud 180 to the lateral stop member 182 which, through similar linkage, draws and pushes the other positioning finger mounted in the same pivot bracket. This lateral movement is limited by shoulder 186 of the lateral stop member 182 abutting the F-bracket 188.

As thus far described, the positioner mechanism 160 is free to pivot about rod 162 carried by the brackets 164 on the horizontal positioning frame 124. It is the function of the positioner mechanism 160 to urge the rail anchor 18 into abutting relation to the cross-tie 14 and maintain the rail anchor in said position until it has been applied to the span of the rail flange 16. In order to provide the force necessary to maintain said rail anchor 18 in abutting relation to the cross-tie 14, a

hydraulic cylinder 190 and its associated piston 192 are carried on the horizontal positioner frame 124 near the support member forehead and extend to the T-plate 168 of the positioner mechanism. As illustrated, the cylinder 190 is secured to the horizontal positioner frame 124 by means of cylinder brackets 194 and the associated piston terminates in roller 196 which is disposed to engage the T-plate 168 in the track 198. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder 190 by means of the fitting 200 which drives piston 192 and roller 196 into the track 198 of the T-plate 168, thereby pivoting the positioner mechanism about the pivot rod 162, forcing the positioner fingers 172 and inclined tip 176 against the rail anchor 18 to urge the same into abutting relation with the cross-tie 14. The positioner fingers 172 are retracted by means of a positioner hook 202 secured to each positioner mechanism 160 near the F-bracket which acts in cooperation with retraction spring 204 which is disposed to extend therebetween, The spring 204 has sufficient tension that when the supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure is released and the internally spring-loaded piston 192 is retracted within cylinder 190, the spring 204 will force the positioner hooks 202 to move toward one another, thereby pivoting the positioner mechanism about the rod 162. It will be appreciated that where desired, the hook 202 and spring 204 may be replaced by providing cylinder with a double-acting piston 192 which may be positively secured to T-plate 168.

Applicator mechanism As illustrated, the head frame 116 includes a vertical applicator frame 126 which is secured to the horizontal positioner frame 124 in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto on the rear portion thereof. Preferably, the horizontal positioner frame 124 and the vertical applicator frame 126 are constructed of angle iron so that the angle iron may function as tracks, as will be described. A pair of block plates 206, each having a pair of horizontal rolls 208 and a vertical roll 210 secured thereto, are positioned within the vertical applicator frame 126 so that the upwardly extending flange of angle iron of the horizontal positioner frame 124 forms a track 212 upon which the horizontal rolls 208 can run. The horizontal rolls 208 are provided with a flange 214 which, together with the vertical roll 210 which is secured to the block plate 206 by means of roll bracket 216 for rolling engagement with the downwardly depending flange of the horizontal portion of the vertical applicator frame 126, cooperate to maintain the block plate 206 for lateral movement within the vertical applicator frame 126. The block plate 206 is also provided with an applicator support bracket 218 which is secured thereto on the side opposite the horizontal rolls 208. A rail anchor applicator, shown generally at 220, is pivotally suspended from the applicator support bracket and comprises an L-shaped linkage member 222 having the short leg thereof of pivotally secured within the applicator support bracket 218, a pair of downwardly depending applicator shoe plates 224 secured at a predetermined position on the long leg of the L-shaped linkage member 222, an applicator shoe 226 pivotally secured in and carried by the downwardly depending applicator shoe plates 224 near the lower extremity thereof, and a hydraulic applicator cylinder 228 and its associated piston 230 also secured to the L-shaped linkage member 222 at a predetermined distance between the applicator shoe plates 224 and the short leg of the L-shaped linkage member 222. The applicator shoe 226 comprises a somewhat C-shaped member having its upper portion pivoted within the applicator shoe plates 224 as at 232, a lower end portion 234 which functions as a pressure-applying jaw engageable with the bottom of the rail anchor 18 (FIGS. 7 and 8) to force the anchor upwardly onto the rail flange 16, and an intermediate portion pivotally connected as at 236 to the piston 230 and applicator cylinder 228 carried by linkage member 222 to pivot the applicator shoe 226 about the shoe pivot 232 to apply the rail anchor. A counterbalance 238 is secured to the L-shaped linkage member 222 near the juncture of the long and short legs thereof.

Referring to FIG. 9, a strap 240 is disposed to extend between and be secured to the vertical applicator frame 126 and the horizontal positioner frame 124 intermediate the block plates 206. A centering handle 242 is pivotally secured to the strap 240 and connecting links 244 are disposed to be extended from each block plate 206 to the centering handle 242, one of said connecting links being secured to the block plate near the lower portion thereof and the other block plate 206 near the upper portion thereof. A pivotally mounted pulley 246 is secured to the vertical applicator frame 126 by means of pulley pivot bracket 248 and the vertical frame 34 is provided with a spring retaining bracket 250. A cable 252 is disposed to be secured to the centering handle 242 by means of cable clamp 254 and extends around the pivoted pulley 246 and is secured to a spring 256 carried by the spring retaining bracket 250.

When the movable head 108 is in the up position as shown in solid outline in FIG. 4 and applicators 220 are hanging freely within their respective applicator support brackets 218, the cable 252 is adjusted by means of cable clamp 254 so that the block plates 206 are displaced to the limit of their lateral movement away from one another, and there is little or negligible tension on spring 256. This can be accomplished by normally moving centering handle 292 to the left in FIG. 9. Alternately, the cable 252 may also be adjusted by adjusting the bracket 250 when the block plates 206 are in the required position. After the cable 252 is adjusted, when the movable head 108 is lowered into its operative position, as shown in chain outline in FIG. 4, spring 256 is stretched so that in an attempt to seek its normal unstretched condition,

cable 252 is pulled, thereby drawing centering handle 242 i to the right. This pull, in turn, will draw the block plates 206 laterally toward one another. This movement co-ntinues until the lower end of the applicator shoe 234 engages the cross-tie 14, thereby preventing further movement of the block plates 206 laterally toward one another. If, at this point, the movable head 108 is not in operative position as shown in chain outline in FIG. 4, the balance of travel of the movable head 108 serves to stretch spring 256, thereby ensuring that applicator shoes 226 are in tight engagement with the cross-tie 14.

In order to return the block plates to their most spaced apart position when the movable head 108 is raised to the up position, one or more of the block plates 206 is provided with a return spring hook 258 which, by means of a return spring bracket 260 and return spring 262 extending between the return spring bracket and the return spring hook 258, cooperate to move the block plates 206 in their most widely spaced apart position when the head is raised to the limit of its upward travel. It will be appreciated that the return spring 262 will exert less tension than spring 256, since it is desired to have the applicator shoes 226 abut the cross-tie 14 when the movable head 108 is lowered into operative position. Thus, when the movable head 108 is moved from its operative down position into the up position, most of the tensions on spring 256 will be released before spring 262 reacts to return the block plates 206 to their most spaced apart position.

At this juncture, it should also be pointed out that when the movable head 108 is in the up position, the counterbalance 238 regulates the relative position of L- shaped linkage member 222, thereby also regulating the height of the lower end 234 of the applicator shoe 226. As the movable head 108 is lowered into operative position, the arc which it traverses urges the applicator 220 toward the rail 12. During the descent of the movable head 108 into operative position, the extreme end of the long leg of the L-shaped linkage member 222 engages the top surface of the rail 12, thereby forcing the applicators 222 to pivot within the applicator support bracket 218. Since, as described previously, the block plates 206 are moved laterally toward one another during the descent of the movable head 108 until the lower end of the applicator shoes 234 abut the cross-tie 14, the further descent of the movable head 108 serves to engage the applicator shoe 226 with the rail anchor 18 in the position shown in FIG. 8 and in solid outline in FIG. 7. Since the seat 152 of the head positioning seat 138 also engages the rail 12, the height of the movable head 108 is regulated by adjusting the locking nuts 148 holding the bridging link 146 on the adjusting studs 144. Thus the head position seat 138 controls the height of the operative position of the movable head 108 which also adjusts the engaging position of the applicator shoe 226 with respect to the rail anchor 18.

Where it is desired to move the apparatus of the present invention to a distant work site, the applicators 220 may be manually pivoted rearwardly, and by manually moving centering handle 242 the applicators may be positioned so that the lower end of the applicator shoe 232 can rest in applicator hooks 58 contained on foot rests 56. In addition, head lock stud 134 can be placed in opening of head lock bracket 128, thereby mechanically retaining movable head 108 in the up position, removing the weight of the movable head 108 from the head cylinder 118 and associated piston 122.

To facilitate the proper inspection of the application of the rail anchors 18 to the rail base flange 16 in abutting relation to the cross-tie 14, a pair of extension members 264 are secured to the foreward section of the horizontal positioner frame and a pivotally mounted mirror 266 is disposed to extend therebetween.

Hydraulic System Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated diagramatically a hydraulic circuit which includes both the high pressure pump 94 and the low pressure pump 96. The high pressure pump 94 is provided with at least two ports 268 for the delivery of fluid at a pressure in the range of 5,500 to 9,000 p.s.i. The high pressure fluid is conveyed from each port 268 by means of HP. supply conduit 270 to the applicator control valves 272. These valves 272 are manually operated, and when so manipulated to the closed position, cause the high pressure fluid to flow through H.P. delivery conduit 274 to the applicator cylinder 228 and its associated piston 230. When the applicator valve is manually returned to its normal open position, the high pressure fluid is permitted to flow back through H.P. delivery conduit 274, into valve 272 and into the HP. return conduit 276 from which it is discharged into the common reservoir 278. It will be noted that the applicator cylinder 228 and its associated piston 230 are controlled individually so that a rail anchor can be placed on either side of a cross-tie individually at the selection of the operator, or where desired, two anchors may be applied simultaneously, one on either side of a selected cross-tie.

The low pressure pump 96, which exemplarily operates at a pressure of about 600 p.s.i., employs an LP. single supply conduit 280 in the embodiment illustrated. This single LP. supply conduit 280 is connected to a manually operated anchor positioner control valve 282 which, in turn, is internally connected to the head lift control valve 284.

When the anchor positioner control valve 282 is manually manipulated to the closed position, fluid is channeled into L.P. delivery conduit 286 for actuating the positioner pistons 192 within positioning cylinders 190. Upon returning the control lever of the positioner control valve 282 to its normal position at open, the fluid is permitted to return through the LP. delivery conduit 286, through the internally connected head lift control valve 284 to LP. return conduit 288 which is connected to the reservoir 278. By employing internally connected valves as the positioner control valve 282, it will be appreciated that when the positioner control valve 282 is normally manipulated to the closed position to actuate the anchor positioner pistons 192, the supply of lower pressure hydraulic fluid is cut off from the head lift control valve 284, thus making it impossible to raise the movable head 108 while the positioner mechanism 160 is in operation. With the control lever of the positioner control valve 282 in its normally open position, the low pressure fluid from L.P. supply conduit 280 is channeled internally to the head left control valve 284. Upon closing the head left control valve, the low pressure fluid is directed to head conduit 290 which is connected to the head lift cylinder 118 and its associated piston 122 and raises the movable head to the limit of its travel. In normal operation, a pressure of about 200 psi. is suflicient for maintaining the movable head at the upper limit of its movement. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the delivery conduit 290 is also connected to sequence valve 292. Sequence valve 292 is preset at a given pressure, for example about 200' p.s.i., so that until the movable head 108 is raised to the height of its travel, all hydraulic fluid is conducted to head conduit 290 and the head lift cylinders 118. When the head lift cylinders and associated pistons raise the movable head 108 to the limit of its raised travel and pressure Within the head lift cylinders and pistons exceeds about 200 p.s.i., sequence valve 292 opens permitting the low pressure fluid to enter motor supply conduit 294 which is connected to the three-way motor valve 296. The motor control valve 296 is normally maintained in a neutral position permitting the excess LP. fluid to be channeled through dumping conduit 298 into the common reservoir 278. When the manually operated motor control valve 296 is manipulated to the forward position, the LP. fluid is internally channeled to motor supply conduit 300 which is connected to one of the drive motors 76, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the drive motor 76 to which the motor supply conduit 300 is connected is the motor which is at the rear of the direction in which it is desired to travel. The LP. fluid from drive motor 76 is emitted through drain conduit 302 into the common reservoir 278. In order todrive the apparatus of the invention in a reverse direction, the motor control valve 296 is manually moved from the neutral position to the reverse position, thereby admitting the LP. fluid to the motor supply conduit 304 which is connected to the opposite drive motor 76 from Where the LP. fluid is finally emitted through drain conduit 306 into the common reservoir 278. Preferably, both drive motors are also interconnected by means of pressure relief conduit 308 which, through check relief valve 310 and the check relief drain 312, are also connected to the common reservoir 278.

Attention is directed to the fact that when the positioner control valve 282 is in the open position and the head lift control valve 284 is also the open position, no movement of the entire apparatus can take place because all LP. fluid is conducted through LP. return conduit 288 to the common reservoir 278. Thus, in order to move the apparatus of the present invention, it is necessary to close the head lift control valve 284 and maintain the same in the closed position before any fluid is delivered to the motor control valve 296. With the head lift control valve 284 in the closed position, the movable head 108 is raised to the limit of its upward travel, and whether or not it is maintained in its raised position by means of the LP. hydraulic fluid actuating head lift cylinder 118 and piston 122, or is locked in position by means of inserting the locking stud 134 carried by the lock stud bracket 128 Within the head lock bracket opening 130, no fluid will pass the sequence valve 292 unless the movable head 108 is maintained in its raised position. Since the applicator mechanism 220 is also carried by the mov- 10 able head 108, they will also be cleared before there can be any movement of the apparatus along the parallel rails.

Operation In using the apparatus of the present invention, it is positioned with the flanged wheels 72 and 68 engaging the parallel rails 10 and 12, respectively, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, inclusive. In so placing the apparatus of the present invention in position on parallel rails 10 and 12, the movable head 108 is usually locked at the top limit of the vertical are which it traverses by means of having inserted the lock stud 134 carried by the lock stud bracket 132 into the opening 130' contained in the head lock bracket 128 carried on the head frame 116. The applicator shoes 226 are manually lifted to'disengage the lower end of the applicator shoe 234 from the applicator hooks 58 carried on foot rest 56, and the centering handle 242 is moved in the direction to draw the applicators 220 toward each other until they clear the hooks 58, whereupon the applicators are permitted to be freely suspended from the applicator support brackiets 218 carried by the block plates 206. At this point, the operator starts the power plant 88 and assumes a seated position on the operators seat 52 with his feet resting on foot rests 56. Head lift control valve 284 is closed, thereby permitting L. P. hydraulic fluid to accuate head lift piston 122 until sufficicnt pressure is supplied to the head lift cylinder 118 and associated piston 122 to open sequence valve 292, thereby permitting the LP. hydraulic fluid to enter motor control valve 296. The operator then manipulates motor control valve 296 in the desired direction of travel, thereby permitting the LP. hydraulic fluid to be channeled to the proper drive motor 76 which, through V-belt pulley attached to motor 76, V-belts 82 and grooved flanged wheels 72, moves the carriage 30 to the site of the work where the operator moves the motor control valve 296 to the neutral position, thereby stopping the carriage.

The rail anchor 18 is manually suspended in close proximity to the cross-tie 14 with the hook of the anchor 20 being disposed to engage the inner portion of the rail base flange 16. The apparatus of the present invention is capable of applying a rail anchor to either side of a cross-tie individually, both sides simultaneously, or to either side individually where a rail anchor is on the opposite side. With the rail anchor 18 suspended on the rail base flange 16, the operator manually retracts locking stud 134 from the opening in the head lock bracket 128, and by any suitable means, i.e., a quarter turn, secures the locking stud in a retracted position. Head lift control valve 284 is then opened, permitting L.P. hydraulic fluid to pass through L.P. return conduit 288 from where it is emptied into the reservoir 278, thus permitting the movable head 108 to descend in a vertical arc until the head positioning seat 138 engages the top surface of the rail 12. During the descent of the movable head 108 through the vertical arc, the end of the long leg of the linkage member 222 is displaced toward the rail 12 until the end thereof engages the top surface of the rail 12, whereupon the applicator 222 pivots within the applicator support bracket 218. Simultaneously during the descent of the movable head 108 through the vertical arc, spring 256 is stretched, thereby exerting a pulling force on cable 252 attached to centering handle 242. This pulling force is transmitted through connecting links 244 to the block plates 206, thereby drawing the block plates 206 laterally toward one another. This lateral movement continues until the lower end of the applicator shoe 234 engages the cross-tie 14, thereby preventing further movement of the block plates laterally toward one another. Further movement of the movable head 108 serves to stretch spring 256, thereby ensuring that the applicator shoes 226 are in tight engagement with the cross-tie 14. When the movable head 108 has descended to the bottom limit of the vertical are as determined by the head positioning seat 1 1 engaging the top surface of the rail 12, the pivoting of the linkage member 222 urges the applicator shoe forward until it engages the rail anchor 18 in the position as shown in FIG, 8.

Following the descent of the movable head into the position as shown in FIG. 9, the operator closes positioner control valve 282, thereby permitting the LP. hydraulic fluid to enter L.P. delivery conduit 286 where it is directed to cylinder 190 for actuating the associated piston 192. As piston 192 is forced toward the positioner mechanism 160, the roller 196 attached to piston 192 engages track 198, causing the positioner mechanism 160 to pivot about pivot rod 162 carried by the right angle brackets 164 which are secured to the horizontal positioner frame 126. The downwardly depending positioning fingers 172 straddle the rail 12 so that the inclined tip 176 engages the rail anchor 18 near the back of the anchor 20 and the notched section of the anchor 22 adjacent the rail base flange 16, as more clearly shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9. Thus, as positioner mechanism 160 is rotated about pivot rod 162, the inclined tips 176 urge the anchor 18 into tight engagement with the cross-tie 14. The rail anchor is maintained in tight engagement until the anchor 18 is applied.

With the rail anchor 18 held firmly against the crosstie 14 by the inclined tips 176 of the positioner fingers 172, the operator closes either one or both of the applicator control valves 272 as desired. H.P. hydraulic fluid is admitted to the HP. delivery conduit 274 and is conducted to applicator cylinder 228 for actuating the piston 230. As piston 230 is actuated, the applicator shoe 226 is pivoted about applicator shoe pivot 232, thus urging the lower end of the applicator shoe 234 inwardly and upwardly to force the notched section of the rail anchor 22 into engagement with the rail base flange 16. As thus applied, the rail anchor 18 is in the position shown in chain outline in FIG. 7 and in close abutting relation against the cross-tie 14.

The operator next opens the applicator valves 272, permitting the HP. hydraulic fluid to enter H.P. return conduit 276 from where it is conducted to the reservoir. Next, the operator opens positioner control valve 282, thereby permitting L.P. fluid to be channeled from LP. delivery conduit 286 through the internally connected head lift control valve 284 to LP. return conduit 288 and be discharged into reservoir 278. Return spring 204, which is disposed to be biased between positioner hooks 202, reacts to retract the positioner mechanism by causing the same to rotate about pivot pin 162. With the applicator control valves 272 and the positioner control valve 282 in the open position, the operator closes head lift control valve, thereby permitting LP. hydraulic fluid to be channeled to LP. delivery conduit 286 where it is conducted to the head lift cylinder 118 and its associated piston 122. During the actuation of piston 122 and as the movable head is being raised through its predetermined vertical arc, the block plates 206 are retracted from one another by means of spring 262 which is connected between block plate 206 and the vertical applicator frame 128. When the movable head 108 is raised to the limit of its vertical arc and the pressure in the head lift cylinder 118 exceeds about 200 p.s.i., sequence valve 292 opens, permitting the LP. hydraulic fluid to be channeled to the motor control valve 296 for use in moving the apparatus of the present invention to the next work site.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention need not be directly centered over the crosstie against which it is desired to apply the rail anchors. If some misalignment occurs, both the rail applicators and the positioning fingers will engage the cross-tie or anchor during operation to self-center the apparatus of the present invention. This feature is most useful when it is considered that the apparatus of the present invention is useful in laying new track, in replacing track, and in replacing anchors to either one or both sides of a crosstie, individually or simultaneously.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for simultaneously applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track in abutting relation and on opposite sides of a cross-tie, comprising, in combination, a carriage, a movable head mounted on the carriage and disposed for movement through a predetermined vertical are, means carried by the movable head and disposed to straddle the railroad track for simultaneously forcing rail anchors longitudinally of the rail base on Opposing sides of the cross-tie into abutting relation with the cross-tie, and an anchor-applying mechanism also carried by the movable head and disposed to force the rail anchors onto the base of the rail while the anchors are maintained in opposed abutting relation to the crosstie.

2. An apparatus for simultaneously applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track in abutting relation and on opposite sides of a cross-tie, comprising, in combination, a carriage, a movable head pivotally mounted on the carriage and disposed for movement through a predetermined vertical are near one end of the carriage, said movable head including a horizontal positioner frame and a vertical applicator frame secured thereto, anchor positioning means carried by the horizontal positioner frame and disposed to straddle the railroad track for simultaneously forcing rail anchors longitudinally of the rail base on opposing sides of the cross-tie, and an anchor applying mechanism carried by the vertical applicator frame and disposed to force the rail anchors onto the base of the rail while the anchors are maintained in opposed abutting relation to the cross-tie.

3. An apparatus for simultaneously applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track in abutting relation and on opposite sides of a cross-tie, comprising, in combination, a carriage, a movable head pivotally mounted on the carriage and including a horizontal positioner frame and a vertical applicator frame, means carried by the carriage and connected to the movable head which is disposed to actuate the movable head through a predetermined vertical arc, a head positioning seat carried by the horizontal positioning frame and disposed to limit the operative bottom of the movement of the vertical arc of the movable head, anchor positioning means carried by the horizontal positioner frame and disposed to simultaneously force rail anchors longitudinally of the rail base on opposing sides of the crosstie into abutting relation with the cross-tie, and an anchorapplying mechanism carried by the vertical applicator frame and disposed to force the rail anchors onto the base of the rail while the anchors are maintained in opposed abutting relation to the cross-tie.

4. An apparatus for simultaneously applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track in abutting relation and on opposite sides of a cross-tie, comprising, in combination, a carriage, a movable head pivotally mounted on the carriage and including a horizontal positioner frame and a vertical applicator frame, means carried by the carriage and connected to the movable head which is disposed to actuate the movable head through a predetermined arc, means carried by the horizontal positioning frame and disposed to limit the bottom of the vertical arc of the movable head, a pair of down wardly depending anchor positioning fingers pivotally mounted on the horizontal positioning frame and disposed to extend into engagement with a rail anchor on each side of a cross-tie, anchor applicator means carried by vertical applicator frame and disposed to force the rail anchors onto the base of the rail while the anchors are maintained in abutting relation on opposite sides of the cross-tie.

5. An apparatus for simultaneously applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track in abutting relation and n Opposite sides of a cross-tie, comprising, in combination, a carriage, a movable head mounted on the carriage and disposed for movement through a predetermined vertical are, means carried by the movable head and disposed to straddle the railroad track for simultaneously forcing rail anchors longitudinally of the rail basevon opposing sides of the cross-tie into abutting relation with the cross-tie, and an anchor applicator mechanism carried by the movable head and including a pair of L-shaped linkage members pivotally secured to the movable head, a pair of spaced parallel shoe plates secured to each of the L-shaped linkage members, an applicator shoe pivotally carried by and disposed between the spaced shoe plates on each of the L-shaped linkage members and means connected between the applicator shoe and the L- shaped linkage member to actuate the applicator shoe to thereby force the rail anchor onto the base of the railroad track while the anchor is maintained in abutting relation to the cross-tie.

6. An apparatus for simultaneously applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track in abutting relation and on opposite sides of a cross-tie, comprising, in combination, a carriage, a movable head pivotally mounted on the carriage and disposed for movement through a predetermined vertical arc near one end of the carriage, said movable head including a horizontal positioner frame and a vertical applicator frame secured thereto, anchor positioning means carried by the horizontal positioner frame and disposed to simultaneously force rail anchors longitudinally of the rail base on opposing sides of the cross-tie into abutting relation with the cross-tie, an anchor applicator mechanism carried by the movable head and including a pair of L-shaped linkage members pivotally secured to the movable head, a pair of spaced parallel shoe plates secured to each of the L-shaped linkage members, an applicator shoe partially carried by and disposed between the spaced shoe plates on each of the L-shaped linkage members and means connected between the applicator shoe and the L-shaped linkage member to actuate the applicator shoe to thereby force the rail anchor onto the base of the railroad track while the anchor is maintained in abutting relation to the cross-tie.

7. An apparatus for simultaneously applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track in abutting relation and on opposite sides of a cross-tie, comprising, in combination, a carriage, a movable head pivotally mounted on the carriage and including a horizontal positioner frame and a vertical applicator frame, means carried by the carriage and connected to the movable head which is disposed to actuate the movable head through a predetermined vertical arc, a head positioning seat carried by the horizontal positioning frame and disposed to limit the operative bottom of the movement of the vertical arc of the movable head, anchor positioning means carried by the horizontal positioner frame and disposed to simultaneously force rail anchors longitudinally of the rail base on opposing sides of the cross-tie into abutting relation with the cross-tie, an applicator mechanism carried by the movable head and including a pair of L-shaped linkage members pivotally secured to the movable head, a pair of spaced parallel shoe plates secured to each of the L-shaped linkage members, an applicator shoe pivotally carried by and disposed between the spaced shoe plates on each of the L-shaped linkage members, and means connected between the applicator shoe and the L-shaped linkage member to actuate the applicator shoe to thereby force the rail anchor onto the base of the railroad track while the anchor is maintained in abutting relation to the crosstie.

8. An apparatus for applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track in abutting relation to a cross-tie, comprising, a carriage, a head movably secured to the carriage and positionable with respect to one of the parallel rails, a pair of generally downwardly depending anchor positioning fingers movably mounted on the movable head and dispossed to straddle the railroad track for engaging a rail anchor to urge the same longitudinally of the rail base into abutting relation with a cross-tie, and means carried by the movable head disposed to force the rail anchor onto the base of the railroad track.

9. An apparatus for applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track, comprising, a carriage, a head movably secured to the carriage and positionable with respect to one of the parallel rails, a pair of generally downwardly depending anchor positioning fingers movably mounted on the movable head and disposed to engage a rail anchor to urge the same longitudinally of the rail base into abutting relation with a cross-tie, and anchor applicator mechanism carried by the movable head including an L-shaped linkage member pivotally secured to the movable head, a pair of spaced parallel shoe plates secured to the L shaped linkage member, an applicator shoe disposed between the spaced shoe plates and means connected between the applicator shoe and the L-shaped linkage member to actuate the applicator shoe to thereby force the rail anchor onto the base of the railroad track, while the anchor is maintained in abutting relation to the cross-tie.

10. An apparatus for applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track adjacent a cross-tie, comprising, a carriage having a movable self-centering head which includes means for forcing a rail anchor longitudinally of the rail base into abutting relation with the cross-tie, means carried by the movable head disposed to force the rail anchor onto the base of the railroad track, an anchor applicator mechanism carried by the movable head including an L-shaped linkage member pivotally secured to the movable head, a pair of spaced parallel shoe plates secured to the L-shaped linkage member, an applicator shoe disposed between the spaced shoe plates and means connected between the applicator shoe and the L-shaped linkage member to actuate the applicator shoe to thereby force the rail anchor onto the base of the railroad track while the anchor is maintained in abutting relation to the cross-tie.

1 1. An apparatus for applying rail anchors to the base of a railroad track adjacent a cross-tie, comprising, a carriage having a movable self-centering head which includes, a pair of generally downwardly depending anchor positioning fingers movably mounted on the movable head and disposed to engage a rail anchor to urge the same longitudinally of the rail base into abutting relation with a cross-tie, an anchor applicator mechanism carried by the movable head including an L-shaped linkage member pivotally secured to the movable head, a pair of spaced parallel shoe plates secured to the L-shaped linkage member, an applicator shoe disposed between the spaced shoe plates and means connected between the applicator shoe and the L-shaped linkage member to actuate the applicator shoe to thereby force the rail anchor onto the base of the railroad track while the anchor is maintained in abutting relation to the cross-tie.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,095, 826 7/1968 Swanson 104-2. 3,120,193 2/1964 Pettigrew et a1 1(M'2 EUGENE G. BOTZ, Primary Examiner. ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Examiner.

R, A. BERTSCH, Assistant Examiner. 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY APPLYING RAIL ANCHORS TO THE BASE OF A RAILROAD TRACK IN ABUTTING RELATION AND ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF A CROSS-TIE, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A CARRIAGE, A MOVABLE HEAD MOUNTED ON THE CARRIAGE AND DISPOSED FOR MOVEMENT THROUGH A PREDETERMINED VERTICAL ARC, MEANS CARRIED BY THE MOVABLE HEAD AND DISPOSED SO STRADDLE THE RAILROAD TRACK FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY FORCING RAIL ANCHORS LONGITUDINALLY OF THE RAIL BASE ON OPPOSING SIDES OF THE CROSS-TIE INTO ABUTTING RELATION WITH THE CORSS-TIE, AND AN ANCHOR-APPLYING MECHANISM ALSO CARRIED BY THE MOVABLE HEAD AND DISPOSED TO FORCE THE RAIL ANCHORS ONTO THE BASE OF THE RAIL WHILE THE ANCHORS ARE MAINTAINED IN OPPOSED ABUTTING RELATION TO THE CROSSTI 